Claiming Scripture for Our Kids

By: Emily Goss

When I came home from the hospital after having our third baby, my husband gave me the most special gift. However, Let me tell you the back-story before I unveil the gift…

When our first son was born, we gave him a strong name, a name that meant “warrior.” We believed that for our first born, before we even laid eyes on him. As he grew, we found a scripture that God called us to claim over his life. Luke 2:52 says, “He (Jesus) will grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” We pray this verse for him every night.

Our beautiful daughter was born 2 years later. We had decided on a unique name and couldn’t find a meaning anywhere. I mean anywhere! Trust me, I looked. After reading a book at the beach the summer I was pregnant with her, I decided that we would decide the meaning of her name. We would give her name meaning. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh without fear of the future.” Proverbs 37:25. We loved the visual that this verse gave and determined that her name would mean strength and dignity. This is the verse we pray over her daily.

We agreed to let the sex of our third child be a surprise. We had two names picked out but one scripture we would claim regardless of whether the baby was a boy or girl. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We pray constantly that this verse would be a defining verse in her life and one that she can cling to as she grows.

All of these verses carry such significant meaning for our family. It has been such a practical way to teach our children scripture and to pray it over them daily.

That gift my sweet husband gave me… It was a family board with all of the scriptures stenciled out beautifully. It hangs above our couch and is a daily reminder to me of the power of scripture and the simple way I can pray for them.

The Bible says “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15.

Wow! It is never too early to start teaching your children scripture and to begin claiming it over them.  Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Moms, I know we feel the pressure of daily tasks and responsibilities. The littlest things pile up and demand our attention. But, lets commit to claiming scripture for our kids. What could be more powerful? We know that the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. We may not be able to protect our kids from the world but we can surely do our best to have them armed and not defenseless as we send them out.

How do I choose a verse? I would start by researching a few that speak to you.

What do you desire to see God do in their lives? You know your child best. Pray and ask God to reveal the perfect one for them.

After you pick the verse, write it down, tape it above their bed, say it over and over again. And stand back and watch the Lord come through on His promise.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen God’s hand of favor over my son; or how many times I have seen my daughter show strength even at a young age and literally laugh at the days to come. And I know my littlest is growing in grace daily or maybe she’s just teaching me grace … What a blessing it is to see scripture come to life in the lives of the ones we hold most dear.


Word of the Day:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your word. Thank you that it is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. I desire to arm my children with your word. You say that from infancy they have known your words. Give me wisdom to daily direct them to you. Thank you for the high calling of being a mom. Equip me for the calling, Lord. Amen

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